Introductions

This past week, I attended a conference in California. It was full of wonderful speakers, inspiring and full of wisdom. I only wish, however, that their wisdom was more heard than their accomplishments. When the panel of five would start their 1 hour seminar, on say marketing, they would introduce themselves. This was expected, however the 5-10 minute explanation of their career up to that point was unnecessary. We admire them, we know they are at the top of their field, yet I got the feeling they were trying to "sell" us on how great they were. Then, once everyone in the panel got done telling us about themselves, there was hardly any time to discuss the real reason we were there, such as marketing tips.

So, I started thinking: how often do we do this to ourselves? How often do we "over-talk" or "over-sell" ourselves, and make the other party feel disconnected and bored? Some of the best networking advice I've heard was from Mel Brodsky (PowerOfMentorship.com), who said to "Ask questions." Ask someone when you first meet them who their ideal customer is, what's their biggest challenge, what are they most proud of, how did they get their first client? Listen, build a relationship, and grow your business. If you listen closely, you will find opportunities to "plug-in" your business, without it sounding like a speech, but more as a conversation.

Try it, and let me know how "asking questions" works for you!